The morning sun rose gently over the countryside, casting a golden glow across the fields. It was a perfect day for an adventure. Bibi, a curious and cheerful little girl, zipped up her boots and adjusted her straw hat with excitement. Today was the day she had been waiting for — a trip to Uncle Phong’s farm to explore and harvest her favorite fruits!
As Bibi arrived, Uncle Phong waved from the front porch of his farmhouse, his wide-brimmed hat slightly tilted. “Welcome, Bibi!” he called out warmly. “Are you ready for a day full of picking and tasting?”
Bibi ran up to him, her eyes shining. “Yes, Uncle Phong! I’ve been dreaming about mangoes, guavas, and bananas all week!”
Uncle Phong chuckled. “Well, then let’s not waste any time. There’s plenty to see and even more to pick.”
They began their journey through the orchard, starting with the mango grove. The trees stood tall with thick green leaves and heavy branches drooping with ripe, golden mangoes. Bibi stretched out her hands and plucked a juicy one right above her head. The aroma was sweet and inviting.
“Try it,” Uncle Phong encouraged.
Bibi took a bite, and her face lit up. “Mmm! It’s so sweet and soft!”
Uncle Phong nodded. “Mangoes are happiest when they grow in sunshine and warmth. Just like you!”
After gathering a basket full of mangoes, they moved on to the guava trees. These were shorter, but the fruits were round and firm, glowing pale green under the sun. Bibi gently picked a guava and sniffed it.
“Guavas smell like flowers!” she said with delight.
“They do,” Uncle Phong agreed. “And they’re packed with vitamins to keep you strong.”
Bibi munched on a slice as they continued their walk. She loved the crunch and the tiny seeds inside. Nearby, bees buzzed gently from flower to flower, helping the trees grow strong and fruitful.
Next, they visited the banana grove. Tall banana plants stood proudly in neat rows, their large leaves swaying in the breeze. Bunches of ripe yellow bananas dangled beneath the broad leaves.
“Bananas grow upward before they bend down,” Uncle Phong explained. “They’re nature’s smile.”
Bibi giggled. “And they taste like sunshine!”
With a small knife, she helped Uncle Phong cut a bunch of bananas. She could hardly carry it, so Uncle Phong lifted it onto the wagon they brought along.
“Let’s take a break under the jackfruit tree,” Uncle Phong suggested.
They sat under the wide shade of a jackfruit tree, where enormous, spiky fruits hung from the trunk. Uncle Phong split one open and offered Bibi a piece.
“This is so chewy and sweet!” she said, her hands sticky with fruit juice.
“Jackfruit is special,” he said. “One fruit can feed a whole family.”
Bibi looked around the orchard, amazed at how many different fruits grew there. She saw papayas hanging like lanterns, star fruits shaped like little golden boats, and dragon fruits with bright pink skin and green scales.
“Uncle Phong, your farm is like a fruit wonderland!” she exclaimed.
He smiled. “Fruits are gifts from the earth. Each one has its own season and secret.”
They moved on to the watermelon patch. Long vines stretched across the field, and Bibi spotted a few large green melons with stripes.
“How do you know if they’re ripe?” she asked.
Uncle Phong tapped one gently and listened. “If it sounds hollow, it’s ready. Want to try?”
Bibi gave it a gentle thump. “It sounds like a drum!”
Uncle Phong sliced it open, and they both gasped at the deep red color and juicy seeds. Bibi slurped up a big triangle and laughed. “This might be my favorite!”
The final stop was the berry patch, filled with rows of mulberries and passion fruits. Bibi carefully picked mulberries, staining her fingers purple. She tasted one and wrinkled her nose.
“A little sour!” she said.
“That’s how you know they’re real,” Uncle Phong winked. “Try them with yogurt later.”
They collected more fruits than Bibi could count. By the end of the day, the wagon was full — mangoes, guavas, bananas, jackfruits, watermelons, star fruits, papayas, dragon fruits, and even a few coconuts.
As the sun began to set, they returned to the farmhouse. Uncle Phong brought out a large table and they laid out all the fruits like a rainbow feast. Bibi and Uncle Phong shared slices, told stories, and watched the colors in the sky change from golden to pink.
“Thank you for today, Uncle Phong,” Bibi said as she leaned against him. “I didn’t just eat fruits—I learned so much!”
Uncle Phong hugged her. “Farming teaches us patience, joy, and respect for nature. I’m glad you came.”
Bibi nodded. “Can I come again next week?”
“Of course,” he smiled. “There’s always something new growing.”
As the stars appeared in the sky, Bibi took home a basket of her favorite fruits — and a heart full of sweet memories.
